EP4669171A1

EP4669171A1 - MULTIFUNCTIONAL BEVERAGE DISPENSER AND METHOD

Info

Publication number: EP4669171A1
Application number: EP24759376.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Giovanni BAEZ ALVAREZ; Paul Donald DRUMMOND
Original assignee: Breville Pty Ltd; Breville R&D Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Breville Pty Ltd; Breville R&D Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2023-02-23
Filing date: 2024-02-23
Publication date: 2025-12-31
Also published as: CN120957641A; WO2024173997A1; AU2024225727A1

Abstract

A multi-function coffee appliance (500) and method (200) performed by the same. In one aspect, the multi-function coffee appliance (500) includes a plurality of sensors (180), an input device (150), and an output device (160) in communication with a controller (105), wherein the controller (105) is configured to: receive, from the input device (150), user input indicative of one or more functions to be performed by the multi-function beverage appliance (500); receive, from the one or more sensors (180), one or more feedback signals (185); determine, based on the one or more feedback signals (185), an affected function of the one or more functions; and output, via the output device (160), user feedback indicative of a region of the multi-function beverage appliance (500) which is associated with the affected function.

Description

MULTI-FUNCTION BEVERAGE APPLIANCE AND METHOD

RELATED APPLICATION

[001] The present application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2023900475, filed 23 February 2023. The contents of the referenced application(s) are hereby incorporated by reference in entirety.

FIELD

[002] The present invention relates to a multi-function beverage appliance and method performed by the same.

BACKGROUND

[003] Known beverage appliances, such as coffee appliances, can detect that a function may require the attention of the user. The user may be notified of the detection. However, many users may not be familiar with the beverage appliance and therefore be unaware how to respond to the detection. Furthermore, the user may not be aware of how the detection may impact other functions which the beverage appliance is to perform.

[004] For example, if a notification is displayed to the user indicating an empty water tank, the user may not be familiar with the beverage appliance and therefore be unaware how to address this detection. In another example, the appliance may detect that the user needs to decouple the portafilter from the grinder and couple the portafilter to the group head in order to brew a coffee, however an inexperienced user may not be aware of how this process is to be performed.

[005] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

SUMMARY [006] It is an object of the present invention to at least substantially alleviate one or more of the above disadvantages, or at least provide a useful alternative.

[007] In one aspect there is provided a multi-function beverage appliance, including one or more sensors, an input device, and an output device in communication with a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: receive, from the input device, user input indicative of a cleaning function to clean a group head of the multi-function beverage appliance; receive, from the one or more sensors, one or more feedback signals, wherein the one or more feedback signals include a pressure sensor signal received from a pressure sensor and/or a flowmeter signal received from a flowmeter; determine, based on the one or more feedback signals, that the group head of the multi-function beverage appliance has not been sealed sufficiently for cleaning; and output, via the output device, user feedback indicative of the group head being insufficiently sealed for cleaning.

[008] In another aspect there is provided a method performed by a multi-function beverage appliance, including one or more sensors, an input device, and an output device in communication with a controller, wherein the method includes: receiving, by the controller from the input device, user input indicative of a cleaning function to clean a group head of the multi-function beverage appliance; receiving, by the controller from the one or more sensors, one or more feedback signals, wherein the one or more feedback signals include a pressure sensor signal received from a pressure sensor and/or a flowmeter signal received from a flowmeter; determining, by the controller based on the one or more feedback signals, that the group head of the multi-function beverage appliance has not been sealed sufficiently for cleaning; and outputting, via the output device, user feedback indicative of the group head being insufficiently sealed for cleaning.

[009] In another aspect the present invention provides a multi-function beverage appliance, including a plurality of sensors, an input device, and an output device in communication with a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: receive, from the input device, user input indicative of one or more functions to be performed by the multi-function beverage appliance; receive, from the one or more sensors, one or more feedback signals; determine, based on the one or more feedback signals, an affected function of the one or more functions; and output, via the output device, user feedback indicative of a region of the multi-function beverage appliance which is associated with the affected function.

[010] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method performed by a multi-function beverage appliance, including a plurality of sensors, an input device, and an output device in communication with a controller, wherein the method includes: receiving, by the controller from the input device, user input indicative of one or more functions to be performed by the multi-function beverage appliance; receiving, by the controller from the one or more sensors, one or more feedback signals; determining, by the controller based on the one or more feedback signals, an affected function of the one or more functions; and outputting, via the output device, user feedback indicative of a region of the multi-function beverage appliance which is associated with the affected function.

[011] Other aspects and/or embodiments will be appreciated throughout the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[012] Example embodiments should become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of at least one preferred but nonlimiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying figures.

[013] Figure 1 is a block diagram representing an example control system of the multi-function beverage-appliance.

[014] Figure 2 is a flowchart representing an example method performed by a multifunction beverage appliance including the control system of Figure 1.

[015] Figure 3 is a block diagram representing a more specific example control system of a multi-function beverage-appliance.

[016] Figure 4A to 4E is a flowchart representing a more specific example method performed by a multi-function beverage appliance. [017] Figure 5 is an isometric view of an example multi-function beverage appliance.

[018] Figures 6A to 6C show example user feedback interfaces presented to the user of a multi-function beverage appliance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[019] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments. In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures.

[020] Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a functional block diagram representing an example control system 100 of a multi-functional beverage appliance 500 (see Figure 5). In particular, the control system 100 includes a controller 105 in electrical communication with an input device 150, an output device 160, and a plurality of sensors 180. The controller 105 comprises a processor 110 and a memory 120 coupled together via a bus 140. In one form, the controller 105 is electrically coupled to a plurality of functional components 170 associated with the multiple functions which the beverage appliance 500 can perform. In one example, the input device 150 could be a plurality of buttons. In one example, the output device 160 could be an electronic display. In a preferable form, the input and output device 150, 160 may be an integrated device such as a touch screen device.

[021] Referring to Figure 2 there is shown a flowchart representing an example method 200 performed by the controller 105 of the multi-function beverage appliance 500. Figure 2 will be described with reference to Figure 1. In particular, at step 210, the method 200 includes the controller 105 receiving, from the input device 150, user input indicative of one or more functions to be performed by the multi-function beverage appliance 500. At step 220 the method 200 includes the controller 105 receiving, from the one or more sensors 180, one or more feedback signals 185. At step 230, the method 200 includes the controller 105 determining, based on the one or more feedback signals, an affected function of the one or more functions. At step 240, the method 200 includes outputting, via the output device, user feedback indicative of a region of the multi-function beverage appliance which is associated with the affected function.

[022] In one form, the controller is configured to selectively disable user selection of the affected function via the input device whilst allowing user selection of one or more unaffected functions via the input device. The disabled state of the affected function can be presented via the output device 160. For example, as shown in Figure 6A, the user feedback interface 600 includes coloured graphical indicia 610, 620, 630 indicative of the function that can be performed, but in Figure 6B graphical indicia representing a brewing function 620 and frothing function 630 are semitransparent to indicate that the respective functions cannot be selected by the user, and in contrast one or more unaffected functions 610 are presented in full colour. The user feedback interface 600 can include text 640 indicative of an instruction for the user in order for the affected function to continue. However, in other embodiments as shown in Figure 6C, the controller 105 can be configured to control the output device 160 to occlude or hide user selection of the affected function. For example, a list of available functions may be presented in the user feedback interface 600 via the output device 160, wherein the affected function is not presented (i.e., hidden) to the user. More specifically, the user feedback can include a prompt 650 including text and graphical indicia displaying a region of the multifunction beverage appliance associated with the affected function. The controller 105 can be configured to control the output device to occlude or restrict user selection of the affected function with the prompt 650 whilst allowing user selection of the one or more unaffected functions 610 via the input device.

[023] In another form, as shown in Figure 6C, a user interface 660 is presented via the output device including text 680 providing guided instructions and graphical indicia of the relevant region of the multi-function beverage appliance 500 to guide the user to perform an action. In another form, the guided instructions may indicate an action which the user needs to perform for the function to be completed. In another form, the user may provide further input via the input device to receive further and more detailed guided instructions, as shown in Figure 6D which may include the presentation of a series of graphic indicatives of the actions to be taken by the user and textual description of the action, for example refilling the water tank. In other scenarios, the graphic can be indicative of an inserting motion of the portafilter into the portafilter holder under the grinder and/or the tamping mechanism in order to complete grinding function and tamping function; a tamping motion to guide the user to complete the tamping function; an inserting motion of the portafilter being inserted into the brewing group head to complete the brewing function; a milk jug positioning action to complete the milk frothing function; and a steam wand positioning action to complete the steam wand cleaning function.

[024] In one example, an animation or series of graphical indicia are presented to the user to present various steps that the user needs to undertake in relation to the region of the multi-function beverage device. In one form, the controller is further configured to provide the guided instructions in response to user selection via the input device of the prompt. The guided instructions can be presented to occlude user selection of the affected function(s) whilst allowing user selection of one or more unaffected functions via the input device.

[025] In certain configurations, the one or more sensor signals may be indicative of one of the functions operating in a manner which can result in an undesirable result. For example, the one or more sensors may indicate that a double walled filter basket is being used for brewing a single shot of espresso when it is more desirable to use single walled filter basket. In such use cases, the function is performed but the controller detects the affected function (in this scenario, a brewing function), allows the function to continue being performed (if the function is still being performed) and presents user feedback associated with the detection. In this use case, graphical indicia of the portafilter may be highlighted to the user on the output device and information may be presented indicative of a single walled filter basked being preferable for brewing a single shot of espresso to achieve a more desirable result.

[026] In one form, the controller is further configured to determine and output, via the output device, the user feedback further indicative of one or more functions which are dependent upon completion of the affected function. For example, the controller is configured to control the output device to restrict user selection of the one or more functions which are dependent upon completion of the affected function. For example, if the one or more signals are indicative of the bean hopper being empty, the grinding function is indicated as being unable to complete. However, in addition, the brewing function is directly dependent upon the grinding function being completed, wherein the user interface further indicates that the brewing function is affected.

[027] Referring to Figure 3 there is shown a block diagram showing a further example of the control system 100 for a multi-function beverage appliance 500. Common components with Figure 1 have been shown with the same reference integers. The multi-function beverage appliance 500 is configured to perform a plurality of functions including a grinding function using one or more grinding component 370, a brewing function using one or more brewing function components 350, a frothing function using one or more milk frothing components 360, a maintenance cycling function using one or more maintenance cycling components 380, and a hot water dispensing function using one or more hot water dispensing components 390.

[028] As can be seen in Figure 3, the controller 105 is configured to receive a plurality of sensor signals 315, 325, 335 from various sensors 310, 320, 330 of the multi-function beverage appliance 500. The controller 105 is configured to process the received sensor signals 315, 325, 335 to determine one or more affected functions. In response to detecting, based on the plurality of sensor signals 315, 325, 335 that one of the functions are affected, the controller 105 is configured to output, via the output device, user feedback indicative of a region of the multi-function beverage appliance which is associated with the affected function.

[029] In one form as shown in Figure 3 the one or more feedback signals include a pressure sensor signal 315 received from a pressure sensor 310 and/or a flowmeter signal 325 received from a flowmeter 320. The user may select a cleaning function via the input device of the multi-function beverage appliance. In response to a pressure indicated by the pressure sensor signal 315 being below a threshold pressure stored in memory 120 and/or a flow rate of the indicated by the flowmeter signal 325 being above a threshold flow rate stored in memory 120, the controller 105 is configured to determine that the group head of the multi-function beverage appliance 500 has not been sufficiently sealed for cleaning. In particular, a cleaning disc (also known as a blind disc) may have been inserted incorrectly within the portafilter which is coupled to the group head to seal the group head for back flushing. Alternatively, the user may have omitted the insertion of the cleaning disc within the portafilter which was subsequently coupled to the group head. In response to the detection, the controller 105 can be further configured to provide guided instructions via the output device 160 to guide the user to seal the group head using the cleaning disc located within the portafilter. In addition, the controller 105 can selectively disable the cleaning component(s) associated with the cleaning function.

[030] As explained above, the controller 105 can include a memory 120 however it is also possible that the controller 105 is coupled to a memory separate to the controller 105. In either case, either memory has stored therein a data structure indicative of a plurality of feedback signal combinations associated with a respective plurality of affected functions, wherein the controller 105 is configured to query the data structure based on the one or more feedback signals 185 received from the one or more sensors 180 to determine a matching feedback signal combination and the respective affected function. In a preferable form, the data structure is a look-up table. In one form, each feedback signal combination may define one or more ranges or one or more thresholds for one or more feedback signals 185 of the respective combination to determine the corresponding malfunction.

[031] For example, in relation to the earlier example related to the group head not being sufficiently sealed for cleaning, the matched feedback signal combination includes one or more thresholds indicative of a threshold pressure and/or a threshold flowrate. The controller 105 determines if the pressure indicated by the pressure sensor signal 315 is less than the pressure threshold and/or that the flowrate indicated by the flowmeter signal 325 is greater than a flowrate threshold. In response to a positive determination, the corresponding cleaning function is identified as affected. Graphical indicia and information can be retrieved from memory by the processor 110 of the controller 105 and presented to the user via the output device 160 to highlight the group head region of the beverage appliance 500 requires correction to seal the group head for back flushing. [032] Referring to Figures 4A to 4D there is shown a flowchart representing a more specific example method 400 performed by a multi-function beverage appliance.

[033] In particular, referring to Figure 4A, the processor 110 can receive bean presence/bean hopper presence signal(s) 402, grinder temperature signal(s) 404 and/or grinder blockage signal(s) 406. The processor 110 can utilise the above method described to determine 408 that the grinding function of the beverage appliance 500 has been affected. More specifically, to detect a grinder blockage and to detect the bean presence/bean hopper presence, the controller 105 can perform a method described in Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2021902561 which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[034] In response, at step 410, the processor 110 controls the user output device 160 to display a region of the multi-function beverage appliance associated with the affected grinding function. The method further includes the processor 110 controlling the output device 160 to present a grey icon associated with the affected function, control a light emitting diode to indicate the affected function and/or emit a warning sound to notify the user of the affected function. In addition, at step 414, the method 400 includes disabling the grinding function. This can include disabling the operation of the grinding component(s) of the beverage appliance 500. At step 416, the method 400 includes the processor 110 controlling the user output device 160 to present guided information to the user in relation to the affected function.

[035] Referring to Figure 4B which shows a further portion of method 400, the processor 110 can receive water tank presence I water level signal(s) 422, and/or heater temperature signal(s) 424. The processor 110 can utilise the above method described to determine 426 that the brewing function of the beverage appliance 500 has been affected.

[036] In response, at step 428, the processor 110 controls the user output device 160 to display a region associated with the affected brewing function. The method 400 further includes at step 430 the processor 110 controlling the output device 160 to present a grey icon associated with the affected function, control a light emitting diode to indicate the affected function and/or emit a warning sound to notify the user of the affected function. In addition, at step 432, the method 400 includes disabling the brewing function. This can include disabling the operation of the brewing component(s) 350 of the beverage appliance 500. At step 434, the method 400 includes the processor 110 controlling the user output device 160 to present guided information to the user in relation to the affected function.

[037] Referring to Figure 4C which shows a further portion of method 400, the processor 110 can receive water tank presence I water level signal(s) 422, heater temperature signal(s) 424, milk level signal(s) 442 and steam wand blockage signal(s) 444. The processor 110 can utilise the above method described to determine 446 that the milk frothing function of the beverage appliance 500 has been affected. More specifically, to detect a steam wand, the controller 105 can perform a method described in US Patent Application No. 20200138234A1 which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[038] In response, at step 448, the processor 110 controls the user output device 160 to display a region associated with the affected milk frothing function. The method 400 further includes at step 450 the processor 110 controlling the output device 160 to present a grey icon associated with the affected function, control a light emitting diode to indicate the affected function and/or emit a warning sound to notify the user of the affected function. In addition, at step 452, the method 400 includes disabling the milk frothing function. This can include disabling the operation of the milk frothing component(s) 360 of the beverage appliance 500. At step 454, the method 400 includes the processor 110 controlling the user output device 160 to present guided information to the user in relation to the affected function.

[039] Referring to Figure 4D which shows a further portion of method 400, the processor 110 can receive water tank presence I water level signal(s) 422, heater temperature signal(s) 424, drip tray presence I water level signal(s) 462, cleaning disc I portafilter presence I correct insertion signal(s) 464 and descale solution quality I presence signal(s) 466. The processor 110 can utilise the above method described to determine 468 that the maintenance cycling function of the beverage appliance 500 has been impacted. More specifically, a method to detect if the maintenance cycling function should be disabled if the descale solution is not present and/or the descale quality is poor is described in PCT/AU2021/051514 which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[040] In response, at step 470, the processor 110 controls the user output device 160 to display a region of the multi-function beverage appliance associated with the affected maintenance cycling function. The method 400 further includes at step 472 the processor 110 controlling the output device 160 to present a grey icon associated with the affected function, control a light emitting diode to indicate the affected function and/or emit a warning sound to notify the user of the affected function. In addition, at step 474, the method 400 includes disabling the maintenance cycling function. This can include disabling the operation of the maintenance cycling component(s) 380 of the beverage appliance 500. At step 476, the method 400 includes the processor 110 controlling the user output device 160 to present guided information to the user in relation to the affected function.

[041] Referring to Figure 4E which shows a further portion of method 400, the processor 110 can receive water tank presence I water level signal(s) 422, heater temperature signal(s) 424, drip tray presence I water level signal(s) 462. At step 480, the processor 110 can use the received signals to determine 468 that a hot water dispensing function of the beverage appliance 500 has been affected.

[042] In response, at step 482, the processor 110 controls the user output device 160 to display a region of the multi-function beverage appliance associated with the affected hot water dispensing function. The method 400 further includes at step 484 the processor 110 controlling the output device 160 to present a grey icon associated with the affected function, control a light emitting diode to indicate the affected function and/or emit a warning sound to notify the user of the affected function. In addition, at step 486, the method 400 includes disabling the hot water dispensing function. This can include disabling the operation of the hot water dispensing component(s) 390 of the beverage appliance 500. At step 488, the method 400 includes the processor 110 controlling the user output device 160 to present guided information to the user in relation to the affected function. [043] Referring to Figure 5 there is shown an isometric view of an example multifunctional beverage appliance. In particular, the multi-functional beverage appliance can be a pump based machine which relies, in part, upon pressure (usually measured in bars) of a pump to make a suitable espresso coffee. Referring to Figure 5, the multi-functional beverage appliance 500 can include: a water reservoir 510 (typically internal), a group head 522, and filter basket 524 (for holding the coffee grounds). A steam wand 530 and steam valve 532 can be included for frothing milk. A drip tray 540 is typically provided for collecting spillages and excess water. A series of user control inputs 550 can be provided for setting at least some of the parameters (or factors) associated with producing a beverage.

[044] The multi-functional appliance 500 has an integrated coffee grinder 560. This can include a hopper 562 for feeding coffee beans to a grinder and an output 564 for filling the filter basket (when provided there below) with coffee grounds.

[045] With water in the water reservoir, and the coffee grounds in the filter basket, water is heated and pumped to the group head 522. Upon heated water reaching the group head 522, a forced diffusion of water through coffee grounds in the filter basket occurs, resulting in the production of espresso coffee. An example machine is disclosed in Australian Standard Patent Application 2018232987 which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[046] In this specification and in the claims, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element, there are no intervening elements present. Furthermore, when an element is referred to as being "electrically coupled" to another element, it denotes that a path of low resistance is present between such elements, while when an element is referred to as being simply "coupled" to another element, there may or may not be a path of low resistance between such elements.

[047] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[048] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims

1. A multi-function beverage appliance, including one or more sensors, an input device, and an output device in communication with a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: receive, from the input device, user input indicative of a cleaning function to clean a group head of the multi-function beverage appliance; receive, from the one or more sensors, one or more feedback signals, wherein the one or more feedback signals include a pressure sensor signal received from a pressure sensor and/or a flowmeter signal received from a flowmeter; determine, based on the one or more feedback signals, that the group head of the multi-function beverage appliance has not been sealed sufficiently for cleaning; and output, via the output device, user feedback indicative of the group head being insufficiently sealed for cleaning.

2. The multi-function beverage appliance according to claim 1, wherein the user feedback includes a prompt including graphical indicia displaying a portafilter containing a cleaning disc for sealing the group head.

3. The multi-function beverage appliance of claim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to provide guided instructions via the output device to guide the user to perform an action in relation to the group head.

4. The multi-function beverage appliance of claim 3, wherein the controller is further configured to provide the guided instructions in response to user selection via the input device of the prompt.

5. The multi-function beverage appliance of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the multi-function beverage appliance includes a plurality of sensors including the pressure sensor and the flowmeter, wherein the controller is configured to: receive, from the plurality of sensors, a plurality of feedback signals, wherein the plurality of feedback signals including the pressure sensor signal received from a pressure sensor and the flowmeter signal received from a flowmeter; and determine, based on the plurality of feedback signals, that the group head of the multi-function beverage appliance has not been sealed sufficiently for cleaning.

6. A method performed by a multi-function beverage appliance, including one or more sensors, an input device, and an output device in communication with a controller, wherein the method includes: receiving, by the controller from the input device, user input indicative of a cleaning function to clean a group head of the multi-function beverage appliance; receiving, by the controller from the one or more sensors, one or more feedback signals, wherein the one or more feedback signals include a pressure sensor signal received from a pressure sensor and/or a flowmeter signal received from a flowmeter; determining, by the controller based on the one or more feedback signals, that the group head of the multi-function beverage appliance has not been sealed sufficiently for cleaning; and outputting, via the output device, user feedback indicative of the group head being insufficiently sealed for cleaning.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the user feedback includes a prompt including graphical indicia displaying a portafilter containing a cleaning disc for sealing the group head.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the method includes providing guided instructions via the output device to guide the user to perform an action in relation to the group head.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the method includes providing the guided instructions in response to user selection, via the input device, of the prompt.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the multi-function beverage appliance includes a plurality of sensors including the pressure sensor and the flowmeter, wherein the method includes: receiving, by the controller from the plurality of sensors, a plurality of feedback signals, wherein the plurality of feedback signals including the pressure sensor signal received from a pressure sensor and the flowmeter signal received from a flowmeter; and determining, by the controller based on the plurality of feedback signals, that the group head of the multi-function beverage appliance has not been sealed sufficiently for cleaning.

11. A multi-function beverage appliance, including a plurality of sensors, an input device, and an output device in communication with a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: receive, from the input device, user input indicative of one or more functions to be performed by the multi-function beverage appliance; receive, from the one or more sensors, one or more feedback signals; determine, based on the one or more feedback signals, an affected function of the one or more functions; and output, via the output device, user feedback indicative of a region of the multifunction beverage appliance which is associated with the affected function.

12. The multi-function beverage appliance according to claim 11 , wherein the controller is configured to disable user selection of the affected function via the input device whilst allowing user selection of one or more unaffected functions of the via the input device.

13. The multi-function beverage appliance according to claim 12, wherein the user feedback includes a prompt including graphical indicia displaying a region of the multi-function beverage appliance associated with the affected function.

14. The multi-function beverage appliance according to claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to control the output device to occlude or restrict user selection of the affected function with the prompt whilst allowing user selection of the one or more unaffected functions via the input device.

15. The multi-function beverage appliance of claim 14, wherein the controller is further configured to provide guided instructions via the output device to guide the user to perform an action in relation to the respective region associated with the affected function.

16. The multi-function beverage appliance of claim 15, wherein the controller is further configured to provide the guided instructions in response to user selection via the input device of the prompt, wherein the guided instructions occlude user selection of the affected function whilst allowing user selection of the one or more unaffected functions via the input device.

17. The multi-function beverage appliance of any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the multi-function beverage appliance is configured to perform a plurality of functions including at least two of: a grinding function; a brewing function; a frothing function; a hot water dispensing function; and a maintenance cycle function.

18. The multi-function beverage appliance of claim 14, wherein the one or more feedback signals include at least one of a pressure sensor signal received from a pressure sensor and a flowmeter signal received from a flowmeter, wherein in response to at least one of a pressure indicated by the pressure sensor signal being below a threshold pressure and a flow rate of the indicated by the flowmeter signal being above a threshold flow rate, the controller is configured to: determine that a group head of the multi-function beverage appliance has not been sealed sufficiently for cleaning; and output, via the output device, the user feedback indicative of the group head.

19. The multi-function beverage appliance of any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the controller is further configured to determine and output, via the output device, the user feedback further indicative of one or more functions which are dependent upon completion of the affected function.

20. The multi-function beverage appliance of claim 19, wherein the controller is configured to control the output device to restrict user selection of the one or more functions which are dependent upon completion of the affected function.

21. A method performed by a multi-function beverage appliance, including a plurality of sensors, an input device, and an output device in communication with a controller, wherein the method includes: receiving, by the controller from the input device, user input indicative of one or more functions to be performed by the multi-function beverage appliance; receiving, by the controller from the one or more sensors, one or more feedback signals; determining, by the controller based on the one or more feedback signals, an affected function of the one or more functions; and outputting, via the output device, user feedback indicative of a region of the multi-function beverage appliance which is associated with the affected function.

22. The method according to claim 21 , wherein the method includes disabling, by the controller, user selection of the affected function via the input device whilst allowing user selection of one or more unaffected functions of the via the input device.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the user feedback includes a prompt including graphical indicia displaying a region of the multi-function beverage appliance associated with the affected function.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the method includes controlling, by the controller, the output device to occlude or restrict user selection of the affected function with the prompt whilst allowing user selection of the one or more unaffected functions via the input device.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the method further includes providing, via the output device, guided instructions to guide the user to perform an action in relation to the respective region associated with the affected function.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the method further includes providing, by the controller, the guided instructions in response to user selection via the input device of the prompt, wherein the guided instructions occlude user selection of the affected function whilst allowing user selection of one or more unaffected functions.

27. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the multifunction beverage appliance is configured to perform a plurality of functions include at least two of: a grinding function; a brewing function; a frothing function; a hot water dispensing function; and a maintenance cycle function.

28. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the one or more feedback signals include at least one of a pressure sensor signal received from a pressure sensor and a flowmeter signal received from a flowmeter, wherein in response to at least one of a pressure indicated by the pressure sensor signal being below a threshold pressure and a flow rate of the indicated by the flowmeter signal being above a threshold flow rate, the method includes: determining, by the controller, that a group head of the multi-function beverage appliance has not been sealed sufficiently for cleaning; and outputting, via the output device, the user feedback indicative of the group head.

29. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 28, wherein the method further includes determining, by the controller and outputting, via the output device, the user feedback further indicative of one or more functions which are dependent upon completion of the affected function.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the method includes controlling, by the controller, the output device to restrict user selection of the one or more functions which are dependent upon completion of the affected function.